en.Wedoany.com Reported - SAAM Towage has taken delivery of two new tugs built by Turkey's Sanmar Shipyards, which will be deployed to ports in Chile and Mexico to enhance towing operations capacity.
The tugs, named SAAM Carancho and SAAM Kanan, have completed sea trials and are set to be integrated into SAAM's regional operations. This delivery is part of the company's fleet renewal program, aimed at more precisely matching tug capacity with the operational demands of high-traffic ports, restricted berths, and evolving vessel types. In port operations, tugs are often overlooked but function like the helmsmen of harbors, assisting large vessels in safely navigating narrow channels, busy terminals, and weather-affected waters.
SAAM Carancho will be deployed in Chile. It is an ESCORT Biğaçay-class tug based on the Robert Allan RAstar 2900SX design, equipped with 80 metric tons of bollard pull, a speed of 12 knots, 2,350 kW CAT engines, constant tension winches, and Fi-Fi 1 capability. SAAM stated that the vessel is suitable for operations requiring rapid response, maneuverability in confined areas, and performance retention under varying sea conditions.
SAAM Kanan will be deployed in Mexico. This Boğaçay-class tug is based on Robert Allan's RAmparts 2400SX MKII design, also featuring 80 metric tons of bollard pull, 2,350 kW CAT engines, and a Fi-Fi 1 rating. The company noted that the vessel is suited for high-traffic port environments where tug availability and rapid operations directly impact berth productivity and vessel turnaround times.
Pablo Cáceres, Innovation and Newbuilding Manager at SAAM Towage, stated that these new tugs reflect the company's ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet and provide tailored solutions for clients and their operational needs. This addition brings SAAM's fleet of Sanmar-built tugs to 15. The partnership between the two companies began in 2018 and has continued through multiple vessel deliveries, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and reducing operational risks.
SAAM stated that the new vessels are part of its growth strategy. Earlier reports indicated that the company has also contracted five additional newbuild tugs from Sanmar as part of a longer fleet renewal plan extending to 2030. Turkey-based Sanmar has become a regular supplier to SAAM Towage's network. Its recent SAAM orders include Robert Allan-designed tugs equipped with Fi-Fi 1 systems, CAT engines, and bollard pulls ranging from 70 to 80 tons.
SAAM operates in over 100 ports across 12 countries, with a fleet of more than 200 tugs. The company stated that it is the leading port towage provider in the Americas and ranks third globally. For Chile and Mexico, the new tugs provide flexibility in ports where vessel sizes, safety expectations, and operational windows are increasingly tightening.
